E46 330i info needed

[Hellas]

Not a bad price! :thumbsup:

 

[Jacques Motorem]

Look through the service history to see if the Timing chain/belt has been replaced. I'm not sure what the E46 uses though. I think I'm right in saying that it should have been replaced already, usually before 100 000km.

Also, a manual gearbox is cheaper to repair or replace than the "Fancy Auto" boxes. Drive the car in T-tronic mode and you'll see why I call it a "Fancy Auto".

Your e46 330i m54 motor has no timing belt - it uses chains to run its vanos system. Your motor will outlast your gearbox if you service it correctly, listen for obvious thumps from the diff when the autobox changes gear - this will point to either a worn diff or worn diff mounting bushes. A manual gearbox is always better if you will drive your car hard - but the six speed boxes are as pricy as the auto boxes now and scarce on the used market

 

[1lum1nat1]

Thanks Jacques, appreciate the reply. So when should the chain be replaced?

 

[Jacques Motorem]

Thanks Jacques, appreciate the reply. So when should the chain be replaced?

The chains have their own tensioners that allow for wear and stretching over time. As a result chains are expected to last for the life of the engine. ie never need to be replaced. The highest mileage I have seen on a vanos engine is 720 000km.

 

[1lum1nat1]

Good grief :clap: 720k on any engine is good, damn. Thanks JM.

 

[freerider]

So the important thing is to ensure that the tensioner is in good order.